Joseph Carlton Jodway

Joseph Carlton Jodway of Laingsburg, 74, passed away on January 25, 2025, surrounded by his loving family.
Joseph was born on January 20, 1951, to Clarence Walter and Nora May Jodway. After graduating from Laingsburg High School in 1969, he proudly enlisted in the United States Marine Corps. He served in Vietnam as a Reconnaissance Marine and Sharpshooter in the 2nd & 3rd CAP Marine unit, where he earned many honors. After Vietnam, he joined the National Guard. He retired from the 119th Field Artillery after 25 years of service.
Joseph concluded his career at General Motors as a Health and Safety Instructor after serving in various roles throughout the company. The position he was most proud of was training over-the-road truck drivers. He dedicated countless hours volunteering as a CPR instructor for both the American Red Cross and the Lansing Fire Department.
Joseph and his first wife, Brenda Campbell, established their home in Laingsburg, Michigan, in 1972, where they raised their five children: Jessica, Jody, Jillian, Janae, and Joseph. He was later blessed with another daughter, Katie, with his second wife, Linda Louise Craig.
Joseph was preceded in death by his parents, brother Douglas, sister Anita, sister-in-law Nanci Lynn, and stepson Corey Craig. He is survived by his children: Jessica (Ronnie), Jody (Bill), Jillian (Marcus), Janae (Kevin), Joseph (Jessica) and Katie (Rodney), his Linda Lou, the Craig family and his beloved grandchildren, great grandchildren and multiple siblings.
Joseph was a patriotic man who lived life to the fullest, finding joy in both simple pleasures and grand adventures. He was a devoted grandfather who cherished his role as Grandpa/Poppy/Papa to his grandchildren. An avid outdoorsman, he found peace in nature, whether watching sunsets, stargazing, searching for fireflies, or walking in the woods. He created beautiful pieces through wood carving and wood burning. He loved sharing his outdoor knowledge and survival skills with others as well as his hand to hand combat knowledge and skills. Joseph was happiest when spending time with his family, camping, building camp fires, fishing, hunting, target shooting, foraging, chainsawing, listening to music, canoeing, boating, or at the cottage. He was an animated storyteller and could always be counted on for a good, bad joke. He was literally "one phone call away" and would show up to change your flat tire on the side of the road, pull your vehicle out of a snow bank, jump start your dead battery or whatever task needed his assistance. He'd say, "Don't call a mechanic. Call your Dad." and would help you with any vehicle repairs, as long as you stood there holding a flash light, even when it was daylight. His passion for the outdoors extended to tending his gardens and maintaining his lawn with pride. He was a cultured foodie who also enjoyed cooking and baking. Joseph particularly treasured his travels to Michigan's Upper Peninsula. He was a spiritual man who found peace in the Lord. To say he will be missed is a major understatement. Last but certainly not least, OORAH!
A celebration of life will be held Saturday, February 1st at the Laingsburg United Methodist Church from 2-5 pm.